At the center of the lawsuit is a Marshfield, Missouri business named Barc-ee’s, a travel stop that sold food, drinks, pet products and more. It also offered EV charging stations and play areas. I say “sold” because a quick Google search will tell you that Barc-ee’s is “temporarily closed”.
Barc-ee’s is centered on being dog-friendly where you and your pup can enjoy beverages and snacks- and your pup can have some fun as well. Buc-ee’s alleges that Barc-ee’s “purposefully used and promoted the Barc-ee’s name in a way that violates the Buc-ee’s trademark.” This is the Barc-ee’s logo:
Buc-ee’s claims the name, the curving word style and cartoon mascot, which uses a brown animal with a red tongue on a yellow circle all mimic important aspects of Buc-ee’s trademarks.
Barc-ee’s alleges that they did consult with their lawyers over trademark concerns before opening. The coffee shop and its founder assert that “legal counsel has confirmed their branding does not infringe on any existing trademarks.”
In a public statement, Barc-ee’s owner John Lopez said:…